By Junaid Abdullahi
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, recently came under fire for opening his head while praying for peace of mind, long life, and mercy for himself during his stay in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
In a video he posted on social media, his head was uncovered, and that attracted mixed reactions, because it is customary for a Yoruba king to always cover his head, especially when in public.
One of his followers, fabricsbyarinola wrote, “I thought (a) king must not open their head in public?”
Acube321 wrote, “Kabiesi oooo, sir you are not supposed to open your head. You can’t be the custodian of Yoruba culture and still worship in the Arab way. This is intriguing. You are demeaning our culture, sir. This is too bad sir.”
Meanwhile, some others saw nothing wrong with the Iwo king’s action. Nadee_a_kitchen_treat wrote, “See my hometown king. Everybody is equal in the presence of Almighty Allah. Islam is beautiful. May Almighty Allah accept your worship.”
Fasasiwakeel also wrote, “I am moved emotionally by the way he was praising the King of Kings. May the Almighty Allah answer your prayers.”
Meanwhile, the Oluwo was also criticised for a particular prayer he said. In another video he posted on social media, he prayed that just as millions of Muslims all over the world visit Makkah in pilgrimage, people should have not rest until they visit Iwo.
Some of the people who criticised him asked what structures were in place in Iwo that would attract visitors from around the world
